NJC ‘22 Explores Switzerland!

One of the many great traditions of NJC is the beginning of the year Orientation trip. This trip allows students to connect, and learn more about the beautiful country they will be calling home for the year. Due to the unknown surrounding entry restrictions to Switzerland, the orientation trip took place ten days after arrival to ensure all students were able to participate!

The first stop was the capital Bern where NJC teacher and Bern resident Mme. Bergeron-Laliberté led the students on a walking tour, highlighting the many exciting sights.

The group arrived that afternoon in the beautiful alpine village of Grindelwald; the gateway for the Jungfrau region of Switzerland with skiing in the winter season and hiking in the summer. Students got ample opportunity to explore this area and bond with one another by participating in the Alpine Games; a series of team challenges. The class was then guided on a hike through the Grindelwald Glacier Gorge. Suspended 20’ above a rushing river of glacier water, and with the abundance of rain, there was no shortage of water flowing!

On the last day in beautiful Grindelwald, the group took a gondola ride to the peaks of Mannlichen, situated above and between the ski towns of Wengen and Grindelwald. At 2,343 meters above sea level, the group was granted the season's first snowfall! In true Canadian fashion, a school-wide snowball fight ensued! The group began their descent back to the Grindelwald Terminal surrounded by spectacular views of the Swiss Alps, as well as many Cows!

Next it was off to the Italian-speaking city of Locarno in southern Switzerland. They arrived to beautiful  sunshine and temperatures in the mid 20 degrees celsius. Following a funicular ride to the famous Sacred Madonna del Sasso, the students were granted an amazing view of the entire city.

On the last day of the trip, the group visited the Swiss Miniatur; a miniature reproduction that includes the most famous buildings and monuments in Switzerland. The last stop on the trip was Bellinzona and the beautiful medieval castles.

After a week of exploring the different areas of Switzerland, the students traveled back to Neuchâtel, excited to continue learning more about this beautiful country during their time at NJC!